Does Kerosene Go Bad Over Time?

Kerosene can go bad inside a lamp if left for too long.

Kerosene is a flammable liquid derived from petroleum. It has many purposes, but it's commonly used as a fuel for lamps or heaters in homes. You may be interested in storing extra kerosene but worry that it will go bad if you don't use it right away.

Storage Time

Stored kerosene does go bad. Condensation, which adds water to the kerosene, is one culprit. Kerosene can also develop sludge from bacteria and mold that live in the kerosene and break it down.

Storage Containers

Always store kerosene in an opaque plastic container designed for storing kerosene, both for the sake of safety and to preserve the fuel. Storing kerosene in a lamp, heater or other device will not make it last any longer than in a container. Kerosene can spoil inside the item it's intended for.

Bad Kerosene

If your kerosene spoils, you may still be able to use some of it by removing contaminants and mixing the bad fuel with fresh kerosene. Pour the kerosene at the top of the old container into a new container; water, which looks like bubbles, will stay at the bottom of the old container. Filter sludge by pouring the kerosene through several coffee filters.